'Once the Front Door' painting of St. Philomena Church, Kalawao by Catherine Buchanan
An ongoing series of shows to celebrate the creativity and talent on Molokai is now on display at the local airport after a blessing ceremony yesterday.
Teri Waros, owner of Kalele Bookstore and Divine Expressions in Kaunakakai and also a member of the Molokai Planning Commission, started this community project. She received help on the project from Julie Bicoy, executive director of the Molokai Visitors Association and Carl Britto, Ho’olehua Airport Manager.
Artist Catherine Buchanan unveiled a new painting at the airport reception yesterday. In the past, she has exquisitely portrayed scenes of Kalaupapa, Wailau and St. Damien of Molokai in other paintings that have been displayed at the Damien Center as well as at the Kalele Bookstore.
Artist Paul Elia was also at the reception and blessing. His wood and bone carvings artfully depict the local traditional craftsmanship that is still very much a part of daily life on Molokai. The blessing ceremony was followed by community-provided entertainment and lunch.
Sacred Hearts Father Clyde Guerreiro, pastor of the Molokai Catholic Community, presented a blessing along with Anakala Pilipo Solatario of Halawa Valley, who offered the appropriate Hawaiian protocol for the event.
Other volunteers who helped included Clare Mawae of Molokai Outdoors who transported the mural-sized paintings to the terminal. Eddie Medeiros of Hayaku Gas Station oversaw the installation as Bicoy and her two sons assisted. “That’s Molokai, even when times are tough, we pitch in to make it better for everybody. We are proud of who we are, where we come from and the talent we have here on Molokai,” Medeiros said. “We’re proud to share it with all those who come and go through the airport,” he added.
Anakala Pilipo also commented on the effort, saying, “I am honored to be a part of the community’s efforts to malama our own, beginning with the airport.” Anakala Pilipo went on to say, “This is a vital portal, not only for our residents and visitors through the Ho’olehua terminal, but for our keiki to be inspired to pursue artistic endeavors and to express the beauty of our island home.”
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